The Rescue is on Tour with JustReads!

Join Tanya Eavenson at JustRead Tours where she shares about her new release The Rescue. There's also an awesome giveaway too! You could win a super cute bracelet and an ebook copy of The Rescue! Click here to check it out!

Review: Summer of Suspense: Sixteen Tales By Some of Christian Fiction’s Most Popular Mystery and Suspense Authors

About the Book

Long Days. Hot Nights. Deadly Secrets.

Christian Suspense Anthology!

Start your summer off right with 16 gripping and never-before published tales of Christian suspense from today's most popular mystery and suspense authors.

Join Mary Alford, Christy Barritt, Patricia Bradley, Vannetta Chapman, Mary Ellis, Debby Giusti, Ruth Hartzler, Shaen Layle, Amy Lillard, Ruth Logan Herne, Loree Lough, Elizabeth Ludwig, Nancy Mehl, Serena B. Miller, Samantha Price, Alana Terry on a dangerous journey filled with mystery, suspense, and faith that that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. 

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Summer of Suspense is a fantastic collection of short stories from sixteen different authors. It featured some old favorites and many who were new to me, quite a few of which are now going on my wishlist. A few of my absolute favorites were Afterglow by Christy Barritt, Fading into the Night by Vannetta Chapman, On the Run by Debby Guisti, and Murder in Sugarcreek by Serena B. Miller. But, really, I enjoyed the vast majority of the stories. There were a few that weren't really my cup of tea, but I'm sure others will enjoy them.


Storm Warnings by Mary Alford
4 Stars

Framed for the deaths of her teammates and sought out as one of the most wanted terrorists, Casey Montgomery has hidden herself away in the remote mountains of Alaska. Trying to find a way to clear her name, she finally feels safe for the first time in awhile. Until she finds a set of footprints that aren't hers close to her cabin. Have the people who framed her finally found her? Will she make it out alive?

There's a lot of action and excitement packed into this short story. It was great! It was my first time reading anything by Mary Alford and I'm excited to read more from her.


Afterglow (Lantern Beach Escape, Book One) by Christy Barritt
5 Stars

In Lantern Beach for their honeymoon, Grayson finds out that his new wife just might be a murderer. The Rachel he knows would never be capable of murder, but apparently there's secrets she doesn't want shared. As an investigative reporter, he vows to get to the bottom of it all and find out the truth about his wife.

Afterglow is another compelling and impossible to put down story from Christy Barritt. It completely held my attention and even after finishing it, I'm still thinking about it. I can't forget to mention the cameos from a couple of original Lantern Beach characters. Loved seeing them pop up.


Code Pink – Stolen Baby by Patricia Bradley
3.5 Stars

Holly Jordan's newborn son was kidnapped right after the devastating car wreck that killed her husband. Five years later, she thinks she's found a way to locate her son. Will she finally be reunited with him? Or is this just another fruitless search that'll end in more heartbreak?

The truly compelling prologue had me completely invested and the suspense kept me glued to the pages. Everything happened a bit too fast, but I guess that's to be expected in a story this short. Though I wish it had been a little bit longer, I did have a good time reading it and am interested in reading other books from this author.


Fading into the Night by Vannetta Chapman
5 Stars

A cyber terrorist is planning a devastating attack and Nora Brooks is sent to stop him. She thinks she's found him at an Amish farm in Shipshewana. But who she actually finds is the farm owner Benjamin Lapp. He agrees to help her find the madman before the terrorist's plan can go into effect.

I don't read much Amish fiction, but maybe I should. This was so good! One of my favorites in the collection. There was a great sense of urgency from beginning to end that had me speeding through the pages.


Missing by Mary Ellis
3 Stars

Lily Sellers is back home in Plum Creek, Ohio after graduating from college. She's hoping to reconnect with some of her Amish friends, but finds out a few of the women have abruptly left town. They left notes saying they'd be back someday, but Lily's sure something sinister is going on. And she intends to find out with the help of FBI Agent Marc Harris.

The mystery was solid and held my interest, but wrapped up way too quickly. It felt very abrupt.


On the Run by Debby Giusti
5 Stars

Annalise Bonner is staying at her sister's house when her niece's baby monitor picks up a signal from the next door neighbor's system. What she hears, and then sees when she looks out the window, chills her, sending her on a mad dash run for her life.

This story grabbed me and didn't let go until the exciting conclusion. Loved the characters, the chase, pretty much everything about it. What a stellar suspense. I want more!


Wedding Day Revenge by Rachel J. Good
4 Stars

It's almost Benuel's wedding day and someone is threatening his bride-to-be, Mari. But the person they suspect is in jail, safely locked up behind bars. Or is she?

I really enjoyed this Amish story. The suspense and danger kept building and I became more and more absorbed as the minutes ticked ever closer to the wedding.


Inscription (Relic Hunters Taskforce Prequel) by Ruth Hartzler
4 Stars

College professor, and Latin and Greek scholar, Dr. Abigail Spencer finds herself in a precarious situation when dangerous men force her to translate an ancient Greek tablet and help them find some priceless Biblical artifacts.

What an intriguing premise! It was such an exciting adventure. I didn't want it to end! I can't wait to check out the rest of the series!


Death in Earthen Vessels by Shaen Layle
4 Stars

John Hollingsworth had to retire from the police force after his stroke and is now staying with his sister at her lakeside retreat. He has suspicions that something nefarious is going on and intends to investigate.

The mystery was a little slow to get started, but I didn't mind it. There was a sense of impending danger that kept building to the shocking conclusion. John was easy to like and I wouldn't mind reading more about him. I'll be adding this author to my watchlist.


The Secret Life of Emma Evans by Loree Lough
2.5 Stars

Emma Evans was found dead in her bathtub. She made many enemies, so the suspect list was long. But her death was ruled a suicide. Her ex-fiance Brady Muir is positive that's not true and he intends to prove it.

This story was okay. Not my favorite, but not my least favorite either. Spoilers are preventing me from explaining the issues I had with it.


Cold Creek Manor by Elizabeth Ludwig
4 Stars

Peyton thought she'd run far enough away that her past wouldn't catch up to her. But it's finally found her and danger is closing in quick.

I sped through this story. I wish it had been slightly longer, but overall, it was really good.


Chasing Shadows by Nancy Mehl
4.5 Stars

Forced into a vacation, FBI Special Agent Kaely Quinn is relaxing at a remote cabin when she's awakened in the middle of the night by a bloodcurdling scream. Now her time off has just turned into a working vacation as she tries to figure out what's going on.

I've enjoyed the Kaely Quinn series, so far, and was excited to read this short story. It was great! I thought I had it figured out, but then there was a curveball that completely shot my theory down. What a great twist.


Murder in Sugarcreek (An Accidental Adventure of Doreen Sizemore) by Serena B. Miller
5 Stars

This was the shortest story in the collection and the funniest. It had a cozy mystery-vibe to it which was a nice change of pace. I adored Doreen. She's a spunky 70-something year old lady who gets roped into accompanying her cousin Nola Belle into meeting her new out-of-state boyfriend. Along the way she stumbles upon a mystery.

This had me literally laughing out loud. Doreen is something else! What a hoot! I haven't laughed that hard or that much in a long time. It was just what I needed. I'm definitely gonna be checking out the other books featuring Doreen.


Breakout (Gretel Koch Jewel Thief: Prequel) by Samantha Price
4.5 Stars

Infamous jewel thief Gretel Koch has landed herself in prison. All she can think about is escaping, retrieving the jewels, and getting revenge on her ex-boyfriend who turned on her and is testifying against her.

This story was one of my most highly anticipated in this collection and it did not disappoint. It's fast paced and kept me guessing. It's a great prequel and now I'm even more excited for the series!


Terror in the Cabin by Alana Terry
2 Stars

So I was expecting a story at a remote cabin in the woods, but it actually takes place in a completely different kind of cabin. It was a unique setting that added a lot of tension and anxiety. Willow's the main character and she tells the story as if she's having a conversation with the reader. That was a cool idea, though she was a bit off-putting, at times. There were a couple of times I thought about not finishing it, but I'm glad I did. The second half of the story definitely picked up the pace and I enjoyed it much more than the first part.

4 Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Web of Deceit by Susan Sleeman

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Web of Deceit by Susan Sleeman, a book that's been on my TBR list for way too long.

About the Book

Will he help find her sister’s killer . . . or lead the killer to her door?

When FBI Agent Kaitlyn Knight discovers her brother-in-law is Vyper—the notorious cyber-criminal and murderer wanted by the FBI—Kait doesn’t question her duty to arrest him. But when he murders her sister in front of her, leaving her infant niece motherless, Kait vows to hunt him down and bring him to justice while raising the baby.

Three years later, and not even a whisper of a lead in her search, Kait is about to give up hope of ever finding Vyper. All of that changes when he goes on a murderous spree taunting Kait with clues that she and homicide detective Sam Murdock must solve before her devious brother-in-law takes another life.

As the body count rises, Sam discovers the killing spree is really about striking back at Kait. He must put everything on the line—including the relationship he’s developed with Kait—to ensure her safety. The killer is waiting, watching her every move—and he won’t stop until he’s exacted his revenge and reclaims his rights to raise his daughter.

Book Beginning

Kait Knight met her brother-in-law's piercing black eyes. The façade he'd lived for the last two years peeled away, revealing the cold, harsh eyes of a murderer.

Friday 56

Alarm snaked up and over her back, but she wouldn't speak and let him hear the terror in her voice.

What would you give as a birthday gift to a fellow book lover?

Ooh, that's a good question! I guess it would depend on the person. The go-to gift would probably be a book they've been wanting, but haven't gotten yet. But maybe a more unique gift would be customizing a mug, journal, pillowcase, etc. with one of their favorite quotes. I have a pillowcase with my favorite Alice in Wonderland quote, "We're all mad here", that I really love. So maybe something like that.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Winds of Danger (Lantern Beach Romantic Suspense #4) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

Wes O’Neill is perfectly content to hang with his friends and enjoy island life on Lantern Beach. Something begins to change inside him when Paige Henderson sweeps into his life. But the beautiful newcomer is hiding painful secrets beneath her cheerful facade.

Police dispatcher Paige Henderson came to Lantern Beach riddled with guilt and uncertainties after the fallout of a bad relationship. When she meets Wes, she begins to open up to the possibility of love again. But there’s something Wes isn’t telling her—something that could change everything.

As the winds shift, doubts seep into Paige’s mind. Can Paige and Wes trust each other, even as the currents work against them? Or is trouble from the past too much to overcome?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

What a suspenseful and fast paced read! It was great to finally get Wes's story. He's been a steadfast friend to the other Lantern Beach residents and I was so happy to get to know him even better in Winds of Danger.

Wes has finally found a wonderful woman, Paige the new police dispatcher. Things are new, but going well until his crazy ex-girlfriend shows up and starts stalking, terrorizing, and playing mind games with them. Trying her best to tear them apart.

Wes and Paige are such a great couple who compliment one another really well. I was on the edge of my seat, worried for them. I zoomed through the pages, racing towards conclusion and hoping for a happy ending for the pair.

Winds of Danger is another great romantic suspense from Christy Barritt.

Four Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: Synapse by Steven James

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Synapse by Steven James releasing October 8.

About the Book

Thirty years in the future, when AI is so advanced that humans live side by side with cognizant robots called Artificials, Kestrel Hathaway must come to terms not just with what machines know, but with what they believe.

Soon after experiencing a personal tragedy, Kestrel witnesses a terrorist attack and is drawn into a world of conspiracies and lies that she and Jordan, her Artificial, have to untangle. With a second, more brutal attack looming on the horizon, their best chance of stopping it is teaming up with federal counterterrorism agent Nick Vernon. But the clock is ticking—and all the while, Jordan is asking questions Artificials were never meant to ask.

Deftly weaving suspense and intrigue into a rich, resonant tale that explores faith and what it really means to be human, Steven James offers us a glimpse into the future—and into our own hearts.

Synapse is an unforgettable, gripping story of dreams shattered, truth revealed, and hope reborn.

Why I Need It

This sounds like it'll be thrilling read. I'm really intrigued by the Artificials. I want to know more about them!

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Review: The Spice King (Hope and Glory #1) by Elizabeth Camden

About the Book

Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building his very successful global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before it spirals out of control, he returns to his ancestral home to save his brother and sister before it's too late.

As a junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle Larkin has been charged with the impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection. If she fails, she will be out of a job and the family farm in Kansas will go under. She has no idea that in gaining entrance to the Delacroix world, she will unwittingly step into a web of dangerous political intrigue far beyond her experience.

Unable to deny her attraction to the reclusive business tycoon, Annabelle will be forced to choose between her heart and loyalty to her country. Can Gray and Annabelle find a way through the storm of scandal without destroying the family Gray is fighting to save?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

The Spice King has everything I love in a historical read and so much more. There's espionage, secrets, betrayal, intrigue, romance. I could go on and on.

I always feel like I learn new and interesting bits of history when I read an Elizabeth Camden book and this one is no different. The Spice King deals with a subject that's very important to me. Food safety. I had no idea how lax the regulations were. Food labeling was pretty much nonexistent and oftentimes, the product wasn't even what it said it was. For example: a jar of applesauce that had no apples in it, but was actually pumpkin that was chemically treated to taste like apples. Crazy! This completely blew my mind and made for an absolutely compelling read. I know there's still room for improvement with our food nowadays, but thank goodness it's better than it used to be.

I'm gonna say something that shocks even me, but, here I go. Move over Romulus White. I've got a new favorite Elizabeth Camden hero and his name is Gray Delacroix. Never did I think there'd be a leading man that could outdo Romulus from 'From This Moment', but Gray Delacroix has done just that. So dreamy. So cranky. He has his faults, for sure, yet he's such an upstanding, all-around good guy. He's taken over his family's spice empire and is adamant about making sure all the ingredients are pure and of the best quality. Unlike his biggest competitor whose only concern is making money and will use unsafe ingredients to get the biggest profit.

Annabelle Larkin has a sunny, upbeat, and always optimistic attitude. She's Gray's complete opposite, but they have some seriously strong chemistry. I liked her, for the most part. Though she did make a decision that really irked me. I know why she did it, but I still wanted to shake some sense into her.

I want to talk about so many more things, but they verge into spoiler territory. Suffice it to say, The Spice King is a must read for any fan of historical romance. It's my new favorite novel from this author and I can't recommend it highly enough.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Five Stars

Review: The Rescue (All Roads Lead to Texas Book 1) by Tanya Eavenson

About the Book

Sometimes the path to freedom is found in an unexpected future.

Upon the death of her mother, Rosalind Standford’s life shatters, the pieces scattering to the wind when she is forced into a betrothal to a cunning banker. But when a telegram arrives announcing the man who captured her heart is on a train to Boston, Rosalind must hide her true feelings before the thin cord of her existence unravels the deadly secrets she keeps.

Cowboy Trent Easton returns to his roots in Boston society to find his childhood friend, the love of his heart. Instead he finds a broken woman engaged to a man close to her father’s age. Though she once rejected him, when Trent learns she’s in danger, he determines to do whatever it takes to keep her safe—even taking her to the altar in the black of night. But will his name and the remote wilds of his Texas ranch be enough to protect her? Or will freedom cost them their lives?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

What a beautiful read that wonderfully showcases God's everlasting love!

Tanya Eavenson is one of my favorite authors and to say I was excited for her new book is an understatement. It did not disappoint and is, in fact, a new favorite.

I loved everything about it. I was fully consumed from page one and as I got further and further into the story, it became increasingly more difficult to put it down. I found myself losing all track of time. There was a good deal of suspense that had my anxiety high and hoping for a happy ending.

So realistic were these characters that they seemed to jump right off the page. I was so rooting for them, well except for the vile Mr. Richards. What a fiend he was!

I had a great time reading The Rescue and highly recommend it to fans of historical romance. I can't wait for book two!

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Five Stars